Historic Votes on Social Security Penalties Repeal
Last night, the U.S. House voted to repeal the Social Security penalties affecting public sector workers with both a pension and Social Security benefits. The Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) repeal bill (H.R. 82) passed with a 327-75 vote. However, a WEP-only formula change bill (H.R. 5342) was defeated.
The focus now shifts to the Senate, where a companion bill (S. 597) has 62 cosponsors. Advocates are pushing for a vote during the lame-duck session.
The National Public Pension Coalition has set up a website where people can go to contact their Senators through email.
The web address is: Repeal WEP & GPO! or www.ActionNetwork.org/letters/repeal-wep-gpo
The letters below were sent to Texas’ senators today. More updates will follow.
Great news!
When I was made aware of this when I retired from the San Antonio Police Department, I expressed my feelings to the SS employee on the phone. I told her that WEP was “legalized theft”! She responded “I’m sorry that you feel that way” And asked her” if you put your money into Social Security from over 30 years and when you were about to draw out YOUR money but could only receive a small portion of it….how would you feel about that?? She said “I see your point”
Thanks to all, good effort, I hope we get it done. I would like to express my gratitude for the collective effort put forth. I am hopeful that we will be able to achieve our goal. My Social Security benefits would have increased my income by approximately $1,300 per month. With inflation in mind, this increase would have provided some relief in offsetting the impact of inflation on my retirement income. Currently, I receive $469.00, from social security, but I am required to pay $174.00 for Medicare. Consequently, my take-home pay is only $295.00.
We appreciate the efforts that have been made, as we have dedicated our entire careers to this profession. As first responders, we are often called upon to confront dangerous situations while others prioritize their safety.
We typically leave the profession with various medical conditions. A higher income would help alleviate some of these medical expenses.
“We are first responders.”
Repel the WEP&GPO we worked for it and it’s not fair to get punished for having worked at a job that gave us a oension.